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Dust storm expected to hit Carlbad this week

By Natalie Gross ngross@currentargus.com

Posted:
02/18/2013 11:25:27 PM MST

The groundhog was right. Carlsbad will soon be seeing signs of early spring, but it'll be a far cry from the flowers or butterflies usually associated with the season. Heavy winds are in the forecast, bringing in the typical March and April weather a little early this year.

Melissa Huffman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Midland, Texas, said residents of southeastern New Mexico are under a high wind watch beginning Wednesday, Feb. 20, and lasting until 6 a.m. Thursday. Carlsbad can expect 35 mph wind gusts and a lot of dust blowing as a result, Huffman said.

"It won't be a good hair day," she joked.

Huffman advised that outdoor pets and items not anchored to the ground, such as patio furniture or dog houses, be brought inside. Residents can expect the highest winds between 3 and 7 p.m.

The worst of the wind - or dust - storm will pass by Thursday morning, but Huffman said 15-20 mph winds could continue into the weekend. Otherwise, temperatures will be about the same as they have been the last two weeks, according to Huffman - upper 50s to lower 60s during the day and overnight lows in the 30s and 40s.

Other parts of the Permian Basin may be getting some rain along with dry line thunderstorms on Wednesday, especially near San Angelo, Texas, Huffman said. However, Carlsbad will remain dry during the week, and once the wind dies down, it may even turn out to be pleasant again.